Regions

Bronx Birthday Party Places for NYC Kids

Enjoy Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, Princess Nails, and Even More Options

As a Bronx mom with three kids, I find myself in a perpetual state of party planning. And while we've had many a house party, once I factor in food, decorations, favors, and more, it often costs just as much as a destination bash. Besides, destination parties bring a change of scenery and fun perks such as slides, sports, live animals, spa days, and more to make the celebration memorable. Best of all, I don't have to deal with the cleanup.

The Boogie Down borough has a growing list of cool party spots for kids, from old favorites such as the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden, to more recent additions tailored to kids' interests—with a decidedly local flare. We've rounded up more than a dozen party places in the Bronx, with options for kids of all ages and interests.

Billy Beez— Co-op City
The Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Avenue
This fun zone opened in 2015 and has been a hot spot ever since. With huge colorful tunnels and climbing structures, wild slides that even big kids enjoy, a mini sports court, dedicated toddler area, and more, you can't go wrong for year-round entertainment. Party packages include free rein of the premises, a private party room, pizza, beverages, cupcakes, party room decor, and digital invitations. Prices start at $30 per child.

Bronx Equestrian Center— Pelham Bay Park
9 Shore Road
This horse-riding school offers different packages depending on what you're looking for: pony or hay rides for the preschool set, trail rides for more experienced equestrians. Aside from the steed and the room, you provide everything else, from invitations to food and cake, so it's a bit DIY. Packages start at $300 for 15 children.

Bronx House— Bronxdale
990 Pelham Parkway South
Bronx House offers two different themes from which to choose: arts and crafts or swimming. Parties include one hour's worth of activities plus time in a private party room. The cost is $375, which covers up to 35 guests. I've been to a party with each theme and both were a blast.

Celebrate your birthday with the critters at the Bronx Zoo. Photo by Julie Larsen Maher/courtesy of WCS.

Bronx Zoo— Belmont
2300 Southern Boulevard
Chances are your little animal lover has been to the Bronx Zoo, but has he or she ever celebrated a birthday there? The zoo's birthday party packages include food, a private room, close encounters with small animals, and party games and activities. Prices start at $450 for members; $550 for nonmembers. Pricier packages are available and include additional perks.

Chuck E. Cheese's— Pelham Gardens and Concourse
1816 Gun Hill Road
700 Exterior Street
Go ahead and groan. The fact is, kids love this cheesy game spot and party packages are economical. So even if you get a headache while there, at least you won't pass out when you see the bill. Guests get game tokens, food and beverages, and the birthday kid enjoys face time with the rat-like mascot. No need for goody bags, because guests can redeem the tickets they win for kitschy prizes. You can even plan your entire party online. There are two locations in the Bronx, and both get crowded. If possible, opt for a weekday package or as early as possible on weekends when it's less likely to be crowded. Prices start at $18.99 per child.

Kidville— Riverdale
555 West 235th Street
This popular kiddie hot spot has found its way to the Bronx. Party packages offer access to Kidville's Private Party Zone, themed decorations, pizza and juice for kids, personalized cake, invitations, two party attendants, and more. Packages start at $645.

New York Botanical Garden— Fordham
2900 Southern Boulevard
Celebrate your kid's big day on the glorious grounds of the New York Botanical Garden. Party packages feature nature-themed crafts, scavenger hunts and gardening projects as well as access to all exhibits. Pizza, water and organic juices, and paper goods are included. You supply the cake. Packages start at $850 for members; $975 for nonmembers, making it one of the pricier venues in the Bronx.

Pink Princess Nails— Westchester Square
1422 Williamsbridge Road
Being a kid can be stressful. Why not unwind and celebrate with a spa day? Pink Princess offers the ultimate pampering experience for kids. Choose from a variety of themes, including Princess Spa, Mermaid Makeover, Tea Party, and Teen Fashionista. All parties are two hours long and include manis and pedis, mini-facials, makeup application, and pizza, cupcakes, and beverages for partygoers. Prices start at $400 for eight attendees.

Riverdale YM-YWHA— Riverdale
5625 Arlington Avenue
The Y offers a number of themed party options, including baking, sports, gymnastics, swimming, and art. Paper goods, utensils, a party host and activities are included. You provide food, cake and favors. Packages start at $400 for 12 child guests.

Susan's House of Magic— Throggs Neck
3121 East Tremont Avenue
If you're just looking for a room to rent and you're happy to cook or cater your own food, Susan's House of Magic offers just that. Think house party away from home—with lots more space. The facility provides a room that fits six banquet tables, a separate kitchen for prep, and stereo equipment. A host will help facilitate the party and full cleanup services are included in the price. Add-ons for kids include interactive magic shows, face painting, balloon animals, and more. Basic room rental starts at $575 for three hours, plus an additional hour to set up. Kid's entertainment add-ons start at $297.

Turtle Cove Golf Center— Pelham Bay Park
1 City Island Road
Turtle Cove is great for young athletes—or kids who just want to have fun. Enjoy a dedicated party area with a pop-up tent and room for five tables in the upper deck area or six tables in the event tent area as you enter the facility. From there, build your own experience, choosing from mini-golf, batting cages, or both; food and beverages for partygoers; and additional add-ons, including a cotton candy machine, face painting, glitter tattoos, and balloon animals. Prices start at $100 to reserve the upper deck area for three hours, plus the cost of activities, food, and add-ons. You supply the birthday cake and decorations.

Uptown Rec Room— Port Morris
175 Walnut Avenue
Looking for a large, customizable venue? This party space features two massive rooms for entertaining—the Funhouse is 3,000 square feet and the Party Room is 1,000 square feet. Preset party packages are available; however, Uptown Rec Room also accommodates special requests. Packages include a bounce house, two video games kiosks (more available upon request), pizza, board games, and more. Plus, for toddlers: basketball hoops, soccer sets, and a bin full of bouncy balls. $1,000 secures the larger Funhouse for a five-hour block and enough room to invite the whole family and all of the guest of honor's classmates. The smaller Party Room is available for $600 and features many of the same amenities, minus the bounce house.

Uptown Sports Complex — Kingsbridge
170 West 233rd Street
This indoor athletics complex offers one-hour, instructor-led gymnastics, baseball or soccer activities for parties. Can’t decide? For an extra fee, you can opt for an all-inclusive sports package that includes all three. All packages include a private party room, pizza, and beverages. Cake, themed party decorations and paper goods are available at an additional cost. Packages start at $450 for up to 12 children.

Yankee Stadium— Concourse
1 East 161st Street
Yankee Stadium offers a Party City Birthday Bash featuring a tour of the venue, with stops at the New York Yankees Museum, Monument Park, the press box, and more. If you book during baseball season, you'll also get to check out the dugout and batting cage. Afterward, hit the onsite Hard Rock Café for food, beverages, and cupcakes. Invites and a Yankees souvenir for the birthday child are included. Prices start at $400 for 15 guests, plus a fixed per-person rate at Hard Rock.

Top photo: The party area at Turtle Cove. Unless otherwise noted, photos courtesy of the venues.